The winter forty-day period: what does it mean in the collective heritage of the Arab Levant?

Arab Weather - Sunday, December 21, 2025 AD, when winter began astronomically in the northern hemisphere, we witnessed the shortest day and the longest night of the year, and with the beginning of this season we enter what is known as "the forty days of winter".

Where did the term (baal) or rainfed agriculture come from?

What is the forty-day period (Al-Murabba'aniyah)?

According to the Syriac agricultural heritage calendar, it is 40 days, which begins on the first day of the astronomical start of winter, and extends until the last day of January. It is very cold, and we summarize it by saying: “We are in Kanun.”

During this period we witness the coldest days of the rainy season, the heaviest rainfall, the strongest low-pressure systems, and the most suitable path for polar vortexes. In most cases, about 30% of the overall annual average rainfall for the rainy season is achieved during this period.

Sayings about the forty-day period

There are some sayings passed down from our forefathers about the forty-day period (al-Murabba'aniyya), including:
"The forty days of winter either make you sit cross-legged or you make you sit cross-legged."

It is one of the most famous and important proverbs, and its interpretation is:

For farmers, the forty-day period known as Al-Murabba'aniyah is an important indicator of the overall season. If it begins with rain, then all its days will be rainy, thus linking it to a season of bounty and rain that farmers eagerly await. If it begins with dry weather, then its days will be dry, and God knows best.

1. The forty-day period is either a burning sun or a drowning rain.
2. O Lord, save us from the cold of Al-Murabba’aniyah (a prayer for protection from colds during Al-Murabba’aniyah).
3. In the forty days of winter, the cold is cut by the nail.
4. In the mornings, stay in your house and increase your bread and oil.
5. After the forty-day period of winter, winter becomes easier.

O God, grant us rain, and do not make us among those who despair.

Between October and October there is a second summer. Where did this proverb come from?